A Family’s Sacrifice
By an Alliance worker couple serving at a Bible school in the Middle East
Before Zedekiah* started attending the Bible school where my husband and I serve, he had already been involved in ministry to street children. However, he wanted to be better prepared for the work to which God was calling him.
The government approved a student visa for Zedekiah, but when the school’s administration tried to arrange residency visas for his wife, Martha, and their young daughter, Hope, they were unsuccessful.
As Zedekiah and Martha prayed about whether he should go, Martha encouraged him to take this opportunity—even though she knew they would be separated for three years. With her full support, Zedekiah made the hard decision to attend the Bible school without Martha and Hope.
A Father’s Dedication
It was not uncommon to see Zedekiah standing on the sidewalk, talking on his cell phone because he got better reception there than in his room. Even in the winter, this young man from a much warmer African climate would stand outside in the cold to speak with his family.
The school’s administration encouraged Zedekiah to return home during the summer break. Zedekiah and Martha praised God for this opportunity to be together and for Hope to become reacquainted with her father, but soon it was time to again say good-bye.
It was not easy for Zedekiah to be apart from Hope when she was recovering from malaria. Soon after, Martha learned she was pregnant. Zedekiah struggled to concentrate on his studies, especially the day Martha gave birth to their little girl. The students rejoiced with Zedekiah as he showed them the pictures of baby Jenna.
“How is Jenna doing?” I asked Zedekiah one day at break.
“She is so energetic!” He pulled out his phone so I could see the video Martha had sent of Jenna swinging her little arms and legs in the air as Hope made her giggle.
After another visit home the summer following his second year at school, Zedekiah returned for his final year of study. Reading assignments, research papers, exams, and ministry opportunities filled his hours, but Zedekiah continued to call his family daily. His girls heard their father’s voice, and they knew their Daddy loved them.
Dedication Rewarded
Finally, three years of study came to an end. The school administration worked hard to get tourist visas so that Martha and the girls could attend Zedekiah’s graduation.
The Friday before graduation, the entire school family held a special dinner to honor the graduating class. Each of the seven graduates had the opportunity to speak briefly, sharing special memories or lessons they had learned while at the Bible school. After Zedekiah spoke, the school’s director stood beside him and told the group about the sacrifices Zedekiah and his family had made so he could prepare for ministry.
The director then invited Martha to stand. He thanked this beautiful young wife and mother for the sacrifices she had made over the previous three years. Zedekiah was moved to tears, so the director put his arm around him as he covered his face with his hands. It was clear to see how much it had cost him to be away from his wife and their young daughters for so long, missing the daily joys of fatherhood.
Two days after the graduation ceremony, Zedekiah joyfully returned home with Martha, Hope, and Jenna. He is looking forward to the ministry to which the Lord has called him, even though he knows it will be challenging.
The church has come under much pressure in his home country, and believers face many difficulties. But God has shown Himself to be faithful, and this family is determined to follow Him, no matter the cost.
*Names changed